the vocabulary of debating

DEBATING : The art of confronting ideas

Stating an opinion

• In my opinion...
• The way I see it...
• If you want my honest opinion....
• According to Lisa...
• As far as I'm concerned...
• If you ask me...
• It seems to me...
• From my viewpoint, I believe..
• (not sure) I guess... / I suppose....

Asking for an opinon

• What's your idea?
• What are your thoughts on all of this?
• How do you feel about that?
• What do you think?
• Do you agree?

Expressing disagreement

• I don't think so.
• Not necessarily.
• (polite) I beg to differ.
• (polite) I'm afraid I disagree.
• (strong) No way !
• (strong) I totally disagree.
• (strong) I'd say the exact opposite.
• (polite) I hear what you say, but...

Expressing agreement

• I agree with you 100 percent.
• I couldn't agree with you more.
• That's so true.
• That's for sure.
• (slang) Tell me about it!
• You're absolutely right.
• Absolutely.
• That's exactly how I feel.
• Exactly. / Precisely.
• I'm afraid I agree with James.
• No doubt about it.
• (not really convinced) I suppose so./I guess so.
• You have a point there.
• I was just going to say that.
• You took the words right out of my mouth !